Personalized Care for Every Step
Our knee specialists create treatment plans that are right for you.
What Causes Knee Pain?
Our knees take a lot of stress, whether running a marathon or gardening. They support our weight and provide stability so we can walk, run, bend, and climb.
Knee pain is common and can affect anyone, from athletes to older adults. Resting the knee and treating pain at home often helps. However, if your pain persists and slows you down, make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.
At Corewell Health, our experts diagnose and treat knee pain to help you return to the activities you love.
Where knee pain comes from
The knee is the largest joint in the body. It connects the thigh bone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella). Cartilage cushions the bones. The meniscus, a type of cartilage in the knee, helps absorb shock. Ligaments and tendons stabilize the joint. Together, they allow the knee to bend, straighten, and support movement.
Knees are prone to injury and wear and tear over time. Where you feel knee pain can help point to the cause:
- Pain in the front of the knee may come from the kneecap or tendons
- Pain on the inside or outside of the knee may relate to cartilage or ligament injuries
- Pain behind the knee may develop from injury or swelling
Common causes of knee pain
Everyday movements like walking, climbing stairs, squatting, or bending the knee can cause pain. Sports, exercise, overuse, and injuries can also cause knee pain.
Knee osteoarthritis
The cartilage that cushions the knee joint breaks down over time, causing the bones to rub together. Knee osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain in adults over 50. Symptoms typically include pain, stiffness, and swelling that worsen after waking up, sitting for too long, or after being active. Knee pain at night is also common.
Meniscus tear
ACL tear and other ligament tears
Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome)
Jumper’s knee (patellar tendinitis)
Knee bursitis
IT band syndrome (iliotibial band syndrome)
When to see a doctor for knee pain
Knee pain often improves with rest and self-care. You should seek immediate medical care after an injury, especially if you hear or feel a popping sensation. This can be a sign of a ligament tear, meniscus tear, or other serious knee injury.
See a doctor if knee pain causes:
- Fever along with knee pain
- Inability to straighten or bear weight on your leg
- Locking or catching in the knee
- Pain that disrupts sleep
- Significant swelling
Treating knee pain
Knee pain treatments focus on reducing pain, improving movement, and helping you safely return to daily activities, exercise, or sports. The cause of your knee pain helps determine the right treatment approach. At-home treatments, physical therapy, or injections can often improve knee pain. Some knee conditions that cause chronic pain may require minimally invasive surgery.
At-home treatments
Self-care may help improve knee pain from overuse, strenuous activity, or arthritis.
RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It helps reduce swelling and gives the knee time to recover by limiting activities that put additional stress on the joint.
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help reduce pain and inflammation. Talk to your doctor before starting a new medication and take it as directed.
If knee pain doesn’t improve with self-care, make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and discuss your knee pain symptoms. They may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI scan.
Physical therapy
Sports medicine for athletes
Injections
Knee surgery
Expert care for knee pain
We help you find the right treatment and get back to doing what you love.